ANYONE who has applied for a postal or proxy vote in West Lancashire is due to receive an important letter.

The letters will contain a form asking residents to supply their signature and date of birth, and West Lancs District Council is urging residents to make sure they complete the form and post it back without delay. If the form is not returned, with the necessary information filled in, residents will be unable to vote either by post or proxy.

The signature and date of birth will then be stored by the council and used to verify the accuracy of returned postal votes as an important measure to increase safety and security, and help reduce electoral fraud.

Anyone who has difficulty completing the form can contact the Electoral Services Office for assistance on 01695-585018 or email: electionsoffice@ westlancsdc.gov.uk